A fair-ly distressing affair?

Are Indian models threatened by the influx of foreign catwalkers or is it ‘fair’ game?
Beauty might be skin-deep, but dusky models have always complained that they lose work to their fairer counterparts because of India''s obsession with “gori-chitti kudis." Now, there seems to be even more cause for heartburn with the increasing popularity of foreign models seemingly causing problems for desi models.
"Look at catalogue shoots, TV ads, and even shows. Foreign models are taking away work from us," says model Vidisha Pavate, "When I went to Paris to model, I had to get a work permit. I had to stand in long queues, answer personal questions. Half the phirangs modelling here don''t even have work visas."
Vidisha is not the only model to feel outraged. Alicia Raut, a new face on the modelling circuit who is half-Russian but an Indian citizen, has a grouse too. "Foreign models are not aware of what to charge here. So, they ask for less and end up taking away our assignments."
Incidentally, it''s not just women who feel threatened by the foreign ''invasion''. "When I entered the industry three years ago, foreign models weren''t part of ads," says Shahwar Ali, "Now, more than 50 per cent of fashion work features foreigners and, over the next two years, this figure could even go up to 90 per cent. Indian models will be forced to stop working unless they get a break in films!"
Choreographer Marc Robinson uses foreign models in his shows because, he feels, they bring a change to an industry starved of fresh faces. "Foreign models are good-looking," says Marc, “They are a refreshing change and clients ask for fair female models."
Reshma Shetty, director of a modelling agency, says, "Foreign models need to make sure they are working legally. For instance, we represent both Yana Gupta and Katrina Kaif, who are not Indian. But Katrina has a work visa, and Yana is married to an Indian, and has the necessary documentation."
As the ''cat''roversy hots up, only time will tell if the desi damsels can ward off the influx of phirang beauties.
delhitimes@indiatimes.com